Rosie's Story. Episode Six. Free Serialized Story.

 

Photo: Jeremy Bishop. Unsplash

Rosie's Story. Episode Six

"How about coming to my house for a sleep over on Saturday, Rosie? Our last one was in the holidays. Please say yes. It will be such fun." Pamela's pretty eyes pleaded. "I've got three movies to catch up on and they're too scary to watch alone. Besides," she giggled, "my brother Carl's friend Rob is going to be there."

"Rob?" Rosie's eyes widened. "He's dreamy." Her face fell though as Pamela pressed her for an answer. Pamela was her best friend, and she'd do anything to go to the sleep over. But she knew without a doubt that her mother would say no. Sleep overs were only allowed in the holidays, and it was all because of church. "I dont know, Pam. You know what my mom's like."

They were walking to art class, which was Rosie's favourite. Now she felt unusually gloomy as they entered the class. "Why not ask your dad?" Pamela suggested brightly. "He doesn't do church. I'm sure he'd  take your side."

***

Later, Rosie eaves-dropped from her room as her parents argued back and forth. The argument was all about the sleep over, so she figured she had a right to know what was being said. As she listened though, it seemed to be more about church. "Liam, you know how I feel about that. Church is important. Besides, you agreed that our children would go when we were married." Rosie heard her mother's calm yet insistant tone.

"Elizabeth, you know I would never stop you from going to church, neither would I prevent the girls; but they're older now. A little sleep over can't harm. Besides, they will have to make their own choices soon about whether to go to church or not."

Rosie's heart soared. Her father continued to speak in his calm, unruffled way and her mother grew quieter. After a short while, Rosie could hear nothing more. Perhaps they'd gone to bed. How Rosie wished she could know the outcome of the arguement right away! It would be awesome if Dad had won.

***

"So, can I go?" Rosie asked her father as they ate their cereal. She avoided looking at her mother's face. Oddly, she felt as though she'd betrayed her mother by following through on Pamela's suggestion.

"Yes. You may." Her father smiled. "But no age-restricted movies, OK? And you must come home at lunchtime on Sunday."

Rosie gave a little gasp of pleasure and Cherry's eyebrows rose. "Can I go to Lisa's house if Rosie's sleeping over at Pamela's place?"

"Sure, Cherry, just be back at lunch."

Both girls raced over to their father, all smiles and happy laughter. 

It was only as she walked to the bus stop alongside Cherry, that Rosie realized that her mother had said nothing at all.

***

Copyright: Alison Lawrence

***

To be continued...

Episode Seven

***

Love and prayers. :)